Manchester United battling Liverpool for Jordan Henderson

Manchester United are ready to offer Sunderland a cash-plus-players package for Jordan Henderson

Manchester United are ready to offer Sunderland a cash-plus-players package for Jordan Henderson

Bruce is already set to make a move for Manchester United defender Wes Brown, 31, and midfielder Darron Gibson, 23, this summer.

And if United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also allows him to have Danny Welbeck back on loan, that could put the champions in pole position for England midfielder Henderson, 20.

Bruce doesn’t want to lose Henderson, who is also a target for Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

But an offer or package worth £20million could persuade the reluctant Black Cats to do business.

Fergie is planning three signings this summer – ­Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea, 20, Aston Villa’s attacking talent Ashley Young, 25, along with a midfielder.

In the frame for the midfield role are Henderson, Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder, 26, and Spurs’ Luka Modric, 25, although Tottenham insist the Croatia playmaker is staying.

The other young midfielder who could come into the frame is Everton’s Jack Rodwell, 20, and once again, Welbeck, 20, could be involved in any deal by moving to Goodison either in exchange or, more likely, on loan.

Liverpool are chasing hard for Henderson and boss Kenny Dalglish also thinks he will win the £15m battle for Blackburn centre-back Phil Jones, who recently signed a new deal to stay with Rovers.

Dalglish is also said to be ready to test Sunderland with a £10m offer for skipper Lee Cattermole.

The defensive midfielder, 23, joined the Black Cats from Wigan for £6m in 2009 but the Kop boss is a keen admirer of the player.